Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Dean Lamb.
Hi Erica Dean, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got started with model photography years ago, but on the other side of the camera. I did mostly trade/art photography for about seven years, after which I took a break from the photography scene. About three years ago, I bought my husband a very basic DSLR camera for Christmas. When he didn’t jump in and start learning how to use it, I decided that I would. It was at a time that I was starting to reconnect with some of my old friends from when I was a model, so I started doing test/trade shoots to better learn how to use the camera. From there, I’m not really sure how I got lucky enough to be able to turn a hobby into a business, but I’ve been very blessed to find a lot of FABULOUS ladies who love being in front of the camera.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been so much smoother than I had ever thought it could be. I think my biggest struggle has been that photography is my “side-hustle,” and my day job is VERY busy. I feel like I’ve been blessed to have a 9-5 (more like 6-6) that’s stable, but it really doesn’t meet that need to create.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in pin-up and portrait photography, and I’m definitely more known for pin-up work. Pinup is basically images of ladies dressed in retro clothing including 1940’s-1970’s styles. There are a lot of ladies in and around the country who have formed social groups focused based on getting together, dressing retro, supporting charitable organizations and doing photo shoots. Many of these ladies want to have their images published in pin-up magazines, so I’ve partnered with Rocket Magazine to guarantee that my clients of all age groups, backgrounds and body styles can see their images in print. I think there’s something very empowering about getting all dolled up and stepping in front of a camera, and I’m so happy to be a part of that empowerment for so many women. You don’t have to be 20 years old, 6 feet tall and weigh 110 pounds to be beautiful and be in front of a camera. I’m very proud to help other women find that extra little bit of self-confidence. I’ll be honest in that I’m not sure what people see in my work that’s special. There are so many amazing photographers in the area and elsewhere in the state, including other photographers who do the type of photography. I have experience on both sides of the camera, but so do many other female pin-up photographers. I’m definitely very sensitive to what my clients may be most self-conscious about with their look. I love finding the poses and the angles to truly highlight their beauty while minimizing those things they dislike. I love giving feedback while I’m shooting, too, to help my clients feel as excited as I am about their images. What it really comes down to is that I want my clients to see themselves the way I see them – BEAUTIFUL!
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My photography mentor and friend George Lue has taught me MOST of what I know about photography, lighting and editing. I regularly still send him edits for his feedback. Scarlette Saintclair, the east coast director for The Luscious Ladies, has been incredibly supportive! From helping me with pose coaching and theme creation to including me in major events for the Florida Luscious Ladies, she’s really made such a difference for me in getting started! Reggy at Rocket Magazine has been fabulous to work with and I’ve been so inspired by the entire team working with Rocket Magazine. My best friend, the Marvelous Captain Lolo, has put up with me turning friend-dates into chances to learn more about photography and has even gone with me to help carry gear around parks for hours for literally no other payment than lunch. My husband has been so incredibly helpful and understanding of everything. I can’t imagine too many men would be so supportive of me working 50-60 hours a week at my “day job” to turn around and spend another 10-15 hours on shooting and editing over weekends and holidays. He even helps me set up and break down my equipment when I have a time crunch at various venues. <3
Pricing:
- 1 hour shoot with 6 edited images – $150
Contact Info:
- Email: Erica@EricaDeanLambPhoto.com
- Website: http://www.ericadeanlambphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericadeanlambphoto/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericadeanlambphoto
Image Credits
They’re all my images/copyright, but the models include: The Central Florida Luscious Ladies Chrissy Doll Robby Vamps Scarlette Saintclair Sophia Brea Becky BlackSheep
